Historic Festival 41 Honorary Collector Lawrence Auriana set to bring 17 rare cars to Lime Rock Park. Photos via Lawrence Auriana Collection

Seventeen of the world’s most elusive and sought-after automobiles from renowned car collector Lawrence Auriana’s private collection will gather at Lime Rock Park during Historic Festival 41 (Aug. 31-Sept. 4).

The captivating assortment of cars will be showcased throughout the race weekend in Paddock A, while a special highlight awaits on Sunday’s Concours as they line Sam Posey straight.

In a four-part series, Lime Rock Park will shine a spotlight on each of the cars that will receive honorary recognition during the upcoming Historic Festival. In part one, five rare Alfa Romeos were reviewed, in part two, four historic Ferraris that will be attending the five-day event will be highlighted.

1947-1950 Ferrari 166 Berlinetta

This Ferrari Touring Berlinetta, chassis number 02C/020I, is believed to be the second Ferrari built by many leading authorities, including the late Stan Nowak, David Seielstad, Tito Anselmi and Gianni Rogliatti.

Originally bodied as a Ferrari Tipo 125S, this car was introduced in April of 1947, as a cycle fender race car it was driven to victory by Franco Cortese at the Gran Primio di Roma in May of 1947. Cortese raced this car in the 1947 and 1948 Mille Miglia. The car continued racing in Italy but with different body and engine modifications and at some point the chassis was re-stamped 020I.

In 1949, the Ferrari factory sold the rolling chassis with a 166 engine to Franco Cornacchia, a Milanese Ferrari dealer. Cornacchia asked Carrozzeria Touring to rebody the car as a 166 Berlinetta and that is the car you see here today. The car was sold to a customer who raced it the 1950 and 1951 Mille Miglia.

1960 Ferrari 250 SWB Competitizione 

The 1960 Ferrari 250 Short Wheelbase (SWB) Competizione holds a revered place in the history of automotive excellence, encapsulating the pinnacle of Ferrari’s racing prowess during the golden era of motorsport. Emerging from the illustrious 250 series, the SWB Competizione was an evolution of its predecessors, designed to dominate the tracks while maintaining a level of drivability on the streets. This model’s name, “Short Wheelbase,” referred to its abbreviated chassis length, a feature that contributed to its exceptional agility and handling.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine, the 250 SWB Competizione was capable of producing remarkable power and speed. Ferrari engineered a variety of mechanical upgrades, including improved suspension systems, advanced braking setups and aerodynamic enhancements, resulting in a finely-tuned racing machine. These modifications enabled the car to claim numerous victories on iconic tracks like Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps, and Nürburgring, further solidifying its place in racing history.

One of the most iconic examples of the 250 SWB Competizione’s racing prowess occurred in 1961 when Stirling Moss and Graham Hill clinched victory at the Tourist Trophy race at Goodwood. This achievement demonstrated the car’s adaptability to different racing conditions and solidified its reputation as a champion on the track. Its success wasn’t confined to a single season or race – the 250 SWB Competizione consistently proved its mettle across multiple competitions, ensuring its legacy in motorsport history. This car was displayed by Luigi Chinetti at the 1960 New York Auto show.

1965 Ferrari 1512 Formula 1

This 1512 F1 debuted in the hands of John Surtees during the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Gearbox failure forced Surtees retirement on the 11th lap of the race. In the next race Lorenzo Bandini took fourth in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza for its highest placing. This car’s final race was with Pedro Rodriquez who finished seventh in the Mexican GP to close that season.

It was the first flat 12 engine produced by Ferrari’s talented young engineer, Mauro Forghieri, and the only Ferrari to bear a four-numbered identification name. While creating an incredibly exotic engine with 24 spark plugs, four distributors, four ignition coils and high-pressure fuel injection, Forghieri designed the flat 12 with the two banks line at 180°. Producing a 12 cylinder engine so compact that the chassis to which it was mounted was less than an inch longer than the eight cylinder 158 it was meant to replace, the total wheelbase measured 94 1/2 inches. The introduction of the 1512 meant that during the 1964 season Ferrari had used 6, 8 and 12 cylinder-engined cars. The 1512s incredibly low center of gravity made for significantly improved handling.

The car was given to Luigi Chinetti for his loyal support. Although it was not one of the NART cars, it was understandably painted in the blue and white colors used at Watkins Glen in 1964. During the 1980s the car passed into the hands of Monte Shalett, Auriana bought the car at the 2005 Christie’s Monterey auction.

In 2010 Auriana decided, with the help of Adolfo Orsi, Mauro Forghieri, and driver Joe Colasacco to return this 1512 to the race track.  Winning the Glover Trophy at the Goodwod Revival in 2018 and the Graham Hill race at the Monaco Grand Prix Historiques in 2022.

1971 Ferrari 512 M

This 1971 Ferrari 512 M driven by Sam Posey represents a captivating moment in motorsport excellence. This particular car, a modified version of the 512 S, was a fierce contender in the World Sportscar Championship’s Group 5 category. The 512 M boasts a powerful 5.0-liter V12 engine that roared to life on the track.

In 1971, racing for NART, Posey teamed up with fellow racers Peter Revson and Swede Savage to pilot the Ferrari 512 M in two of America’s biggest races: the Daytona 24hr and Sebring 12hr. Both races ended in a DNF. The car was entered in the 24hr of Le Mans with Sam Posey and Tony Adamowicz. Their collaboration was a synergy of skill and dedication,  contributing to a third-place finish, cementing the car’s legacy as a formidable competitor. Later that same year, Posey drove the Ferrari in both the Watkins Glen 6hrs (DNF) and Watkins Glen Can-Am (sixth).

Paul Newman’s involvement with the 512 M brought additional attention to the car’s racing prowess. In 1974, Newman established numerous speed records at Bonneville Salt Flats with fellow drivers Graham Hill, Milt Minter and Luigi Chinetti Jr.

For tickets and event information, visit: https://limerock.com/events/historic-festival-41/